Montana official killed in devastating crash after plane strikes power lines and bursts into flames
A Montana official was killed in a devastating plane crash that caught fire after striking power lines, leaving a community in mourning.
Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund, 73, was the sole passenger in a fatal plane crash on Thursday afternoon.
A preliminary investigation report from the Federal Aviation Administration cited the plane crashed 'under unknown circumstances,' but had flipped and caught fire after colliding with power lines.
Ostlund was operating a 1969 Cessna 172, a single-engine aircraft that seats up to four people.
The plane went down south of Billings, near the Wyoming border, on a grassy hill. Emergency services, including the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, responded to the scene.
Tributes have already flooded in for the local official, including Montana Governor Greg Gianforte.
'Susan and I join Yellowstone County in mourning the tragic loss of County Commissioner John Ostlund, who served his community for years. Please join us in praying for his loved ones during this difficult time,' Gianforte wrote on X.
US Senator Steve Daines also paid tribute to Ostlund, writing, 'Very sad to hear of the passing of Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund.
'A devoted public servant and true leader in Yellowstone County for decades, John will be deeply missed. Cindy and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to his loved ones.'
Senator Tim Sheehy called Ostlund a 'great American with a heart of service,' adding that he'll be missed by his community.
Ostlund began his decades-long career in 1972 as an employee in the road and bridge department, according to the Longview News Journal.
He eventually worked his way up the ladder, becoming a foreman and later a superintendent before his retirement in 2002.
The following year, he ran against incumbent Commissioner James Ziegler and won his first election.
Ostlund had a long tenure in local Montana politics, serving as a county commissioner since 2003, and was instrumental in the renovation of the MetraPark arena.
He also served as the president of the Montana Association of Counties from 2010 to 2011.
The commissioner was remembered by his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle in the wake of his death.
Even though Ostlund was a staunch conservative, Democrat City Councilman Bill Kennedy told Longview News Journal that they could always find a compromise.
'We had our disputes, but we all looked out for what was best for the county. And that's the way it should be,' Kennedy said.
Aaron Flint from Montana Talks said Ostlund was a fierce supporter of his county, adding, 'When everyone was getting nervous before the 2024 elections about what would happen, John Ostlund just smiled under his cowboy hat and told us how our country was gonna do great.'
Kennedy added that Ostlund's career as commissioner was 'exceptional' and he was a calm leader during disasters.
Billings' other commissioner, Mark Morse, remembered his peer as a 'great guy' with a 'bank of knowledge.'
Morse and Commissioner Mike Waters are now tasked with appointing a replacement for Ostlund until the November election.
The County Commissioner is survived by his wife, Kristie, their five children, and grandchildren.
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